Hypertension Tests

Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure is a condition where an individual’s blood pressure rises to unhealthy levels. Hypertension usually develops over a long time and doesn’t show any clear symptoms. Hence, getting a Hypertension Test is the best way to check if you suffer from hypertension and also to understand the reason for it. While a normal Hypertension Test usually includes a physical check of your blood pressure through a blood pressure reading, however, it can also include other tests if your doctor suspects some underlying condition to be the cause. The phlebotomist takes your blood sample, which takes only a few minutes. The sample is then sent to the lab to perform the tests included in a Hypertension Test package.

Some symptoms that people with severe hypertension may experience are:

• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Flushing
• Dizziness
• Nosebleeds
• Visual changes
• Chest pain
• Blood in urine

A person with these symptoms should immediately seek medical attention. However, if you suffer from hypertension, then waiting for any of these symptoms could prove to be fatal. Getting a Hypertension Test is the best way to keep track of your condition and take the necessary steps before it worsens.

Why Hypertension Testing is important?

Measurement of blood pressure takes into account the amount of blood passing through blood vessels and the resistance the blood meets while the heart is pumping. If your arteries are narrow that means there is increased resistance which consequently leads to higher blood pressure. Getting a hypertension test done in the early stages and then regularly following up with the doctor is essential as increased blood pressure can lead to serious health conditions.

Hypertension is basically categorized into two types:

• Primary Hypertension - More common of the two, primary hypertension develops over a long period of time and doesn't have a clearly identifiable cause. A combination of factors like genetic predisposition, physical changes, and environment can play a role in causing primary hypertension.
• Secondary Hypertension - Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical issue, the condition develops quickly and can progress in severity faster than primary hypertension. Some causes can be kidney disease, thyroid issues, adrenal gland problems, obstructive sleep apnoea, side effects of medicines, and alcohol abuse among others.
  Getting Hypertension Tests like stress tests, thyroid tests, kidney function tests, etc can help determine the cause for your hypertension.

How Hypertension Test is performed?

A Hypertension test that only measures the blood pressure is done by taking a physical reading of your blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff or machine. Blood pressure may need to be monitored over a period of time to make a correct diagnosis. Once high blood pressure is confirmed, a doctor may recommend further Hypertension Tests to look for underlying causes. These may include a urine test, a blood test like cholesterol, thyroid, etc or ultrasounds. In a blood or urine test, you are required to give a sample to the phlebotomist, which is then sent to the lab for testing of the specific parameter.

Early detection through a hypertension test can help you avoid many major conditions by taking necessary medications and implementing lifestyle changes.